Auto dealers seek permission to import used EVs

Auto dealers have urged the government to allow the import of used and reconditioned electric vehicles (EVs), saying a ban on older EVs could limit access to affordable electric cars.

At a press conference at Dhaka Club yesterday, the Bangladesh Reconditioned Vehicles Importers and Dealers Association (BARVIDA) said the decision to ban imports of used and reconditioned EVs is discriminatory.

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BARVIDA leaders said such vehicles are imported under various conditions in countries including the UK, New Zealand, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Ireland, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

“The government should allow controlled imports of used and reconditioned EVs while maintaining safety, environmental and technical standards,” said BARVIDA President Abdul Haque.

The association said it initially seeks permission to import used EVs that are up to five years old.

It also recommended setting a minimum battery state of health of 70 percent. State of health measures a battery’s current maximum energy capacity and performance against when it was new.

BARVIDA also called for battery-life certification to be made mandatory for imported vehicles.

The new import policy, issued on August 24, prohibits the import of used and reconditioned electric vehicles.

BARVIDA said the decision would prevent consumers from benefiting from newer EV technologies and more affordable vehicles. “Used and reconditioned EVs are comparatively cheaper and can make electric vehicles accessible to middle and lower-middle-income consumers.”

The association called for pre-shipment inspection and certification by an authorised agency. It proposed banning EVs that have suffered flood damage, fire, serious accidents or structural damage.

It also urged the government to introduce a battery recycling and safe-disposal framework and continue tax incentives for investment in charging stations, servicing, battery diagnostics and recycling.

BARVIDA further called for a review of the existing duty and tax structure for electric vehicles in consultation with stakeholders. It suggested that the age limit and other import conditions be reassessed after evaluating the import policy’s impact.

The association said EV policy should balance several objectives, including reducing fuel consumption, saving foreign currency, protecting the environment, increasing investment and creating jobs.

In response to questions from journalists, Abdul Haque said the association has already submitted its demands to the relevant ministry and the government’s top level. “We hope the government will withdraw the restriction in the public interest.”

Among others, BARVIDA Secretary General Riyaz Rahman, former presidents Abdul Mannan Chowdhury Khasru and Md Habib Ullah Dawn, former secretaries general Mahbubul Haque Chowdhury Babar, Mohammad Habibur Rahman and Mohammad Shahidul Islam, and vice-presidents Mohammad Saiful Islam Samrat, Habibur Rahman Khan and Farid Ahmed, were also present.